‘SOUL OF The SOUL’
The poppy holds deep symbolic meaning for Palestinians and their connection to the land. This bright red flower grows in abundance across Palestine, coloring the hillsides with its vibrant blooms. Yet the poppy has long been associated with the bloodshed and trauma endured by generations of Palestinians under Israeli occupation.
The poppy's red color is reminiscent of the blood spilled during decades of conflict in the region. Many Palestinians view the poppy as representing the innocent lives lost, from the Nakba in 1948 when over 700,000 Palestinians were expelled from their homes, to the many atrocities experienced since. The poppy has become intertwined with the collective mourning and remembrance practices of Palestinians.
At the same time, the resilient poppy also symbolizes Palestinian sumud, or steadfastness. Despite violence, displacement and occupation, the poppy continues to bloom year after year across the Palestinian landscape. This reflects the unbroken connection between Palestinians and their ancestral lands, as well as their determination to persist despite systematic oppression.
‘Soul of The Soul’
The poppy's endurance represents the enduring spirit of the Palestinian people.
So while the bright red poppy is a reminder of trauma, it also signifies the strong roots of Palestinian identity, the deep relationship to the land, and the ongoing resistance to occupation.
Norhan
BORN IN BROOKLYN & RAISED IN CHICAGO, Norhan is an Egyptian American singer-songwriter and performer. She introduces her love for Pop and RnB music to her culture in hopes to inspire young Arab women like her to continue to pursue their passions. Norhan is determined to always use her experiences-good and bad- to write music that makes people feel happy, confident, and seen in difficult times
